Babu Owino Speaks on the Ownership of Linda Mwananchi

 

Babu Owino Speaks on the Ownership of Linda Mwananchi

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has recently addressed growing public debate over the ownership and leadership of the Linda Mwananchi movement. According to Babu, Linda Mwananchi is not a project that belongs to one individual, but rather a political movement formed by leaders who came together to champion the interests of ordinary Kenyans. He explained that before Linda Mwananchi was established, he had already secured his own political party after concluding that he might not receive support from ODM for his Nairobi gubernatorial ambitions.

Speaking to the media, Babu stated that his political party existed before the formation of Linda Mwananchi and was among the options considered as the movement searched for a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election. He said that leaders within the movement held discussions on whether to use his party or other political parties that later joined the coalition. According to Babu, these discussions were aimed at strengthening the movement rather than creating divisions among its leaders.

The lawmaker also dismissed reports suggesting that he was in conflict with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the ownership of Linda Mwananchi. He maintained that he supports Sifuna's political ambitions and that both leaders can work together within a broader coalition framework. Babu explained that the movement's leaders have been exploring ways of uniting different political parties under one umbrella while allowing individual leaders to retain their respective political identities. 

At the same time, debate has continued within political circles regarding who controls the movement and which political party should serve as its official vehicle. Some leaders and political observers have argued that Linda Mwananchi is a people's movement that should not be owned by any single politician. Despite these discussions, Babu has maintained that his involvement in building a political party began long before Linda Mwananchi emerged and that his goal remains to strengthen the movement's ability to compete effectively in future elections.

Babu has consistently described Linda Mwananchi as a citizen-centered movement focused on protecting the rights of ordinary Kenyans, promoting accountability, and providing an alternative political platform. He says the movement's success will depend on unity among its leaders and supporters as they continue to shape its future direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.